Today I’m pleased to be interviewing author Dreama Faire. Welcome to FAR! Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for us today!

What would you like to accomplish with your writing career?

Being relatively new to the erotic romance genre, I’m obviously thrilled that my stories have been well received so far, and reviews have been complimentary. In keeping with that, I would like to take my writing to the next level and give readers stories they can never forget, as well as unique characters that wedge themselves firmly into the readers’ minds. Other than that, of course, I’d like to make some money!

What is the best advice that anyone ever gave you?

My childhood best friend overcame a horrific stutter, then turned around and acquired a Master’s degree in speech pathology, eventually using her skill and first-hand experience to help learning-challenged children. Her firm advice to me was: If you want to do it and think you can—you will succeed. She was right.

Can you tell us about your book Maiden Voyage?

Maiden Voyage started in my head as a novella, my heroine based on an acquaintance who’d spent her life caring for everyone but herself. At some point, I heard a rumor that she’d taken a spring break trip and come back married. The novella took on a life of its own and became a full novel based on quite a bit of truth (and a lot of imagination, since I don’t know any of the real details).

The theme of Maiden Voyage is one of self-discovery. We all have fantasies, and some of us actually have had the nerve to pursue some of them, but for the most part, many people usually do the “safe thing” and leave the dreams in their heads. The invisibility of being at sea, with no fear of recrimination or disapproval proves to be a strong aphrodisiac for Amanda. And Seaman Nick is the stuff sexy dreams are made of!

Since everybody needs a break, even when doing something they love, how do you like to spend your time away from writing?

I am a Master Gardener and spend my spare time in the garden or educating the public at places like the farmer’s market, the fair, etc. I love to dig in the dirt, watch things grow and change, and experiment with interesting plants and textures, colors and materials. Gardening is much like writing. The only limits are your imagination.

When did you decide to take "pen in hand" and write with the intent to publish?

I’ve made my living for the past 20 years as a graphic artist and writer of non-fiction. In 1996, I tried my hand at a chapter book for children and had such a good time with it that I decided I wanted to write fiction for real. Been doing it ever since, and have three published contemporary (non-erotic) novels under my real name.

How many hours a day do you spend writing?

I rise at 5 a.m. and write until about quarter to 9, every day of the week. When I’m on a roll and close to “the end,” I sometimes just stay in the chair for another couple of hours. But, boy, I feel like a tractor ran me over then!

Can you tell us more about The Journey and about how long it took you to write it?

The Journey was my entry in Amber Quill’s 2005 contest for short stories. I’ve traveled all over the world during my life, and always feel the excitement of a trip can do wonders for one’s libido. The Journey’s heroine is surprised when her hum-drum journey home for Thanksgiving turns into the wildest trip she’s ever taken. Again, the theme of self-discovery is strong. The story took approximately three weeks to write, edit, revise, and finalize for submission.

What is your most favorite part of being a writer?

My favorite aspect of writing is being immersed in my story, my characters, my settings. Researching, what-iffing—all of it. I also love to edit and revise.

The least favorite?

My least favorite is being between books/stories. The exhilaration of finishing a manuscript is always followed by a vacuum—kind of a what-the-heck-do-I-do-now feeling. It’s hard for me to leave my characters behind and become acquainted with new ones, and occasionally I wonder why I’m doing this! Eventually, however, I clean up the papers and notes and litter from the newly finished book, clear the desk, and arrange all my pencils neatly. During that routine, something snaps in my head and I’m suddenly so excited about the next story, I can’t stand it. Sounds weird, I know, but that’s me.

Can you tell us a little about your upcoming works?

My current erotic WIP is actually finished, except for some fine-tune editing. Again, this story takes place away from home, but the protagonist gets herself into some hysterically funny situations with a hero who surprises the hell out of himself and everyone else!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m gathering some of my short stories for a possible anthology, but that is definitely not a this-year project! Right now, I’m kitchen testing some decadent recipes for “Dreama Cooks!”—specialties guaranteed to bring any man to his knees. Mmmmm.

Thank you so much, Dreama, for spending time with us today! Readers, be sure to visit Dreama’s website www.dreamafaire.com.

Interviewed by: Tammy